“Justin Schultz Hate Night” planned for rookie’s arrival in Anaheim

A number of Anaheim Ducks fans are continuing their hate campaign against Edmonton Oilers prospect Justin Schultz.

Schultz chose to sign in Edmonton as a free agent, rather than sign with Ducks, the team that had originally drafted him.

On their Facebook page, the Anaheim Ducks Army, a fan group for the team, has posted that Schultz should get a nasty response when he plays his first game in Anaheim this October 19.

On a post entitled “Justin Schultz Hate Night,” they write: “The Edmonton Oilers and Justin Schultz come to the Pond to cap off the 4 game homestand that starts the season! This Army must attend this game and tell Schultz how we feel about him backstabbing the Ducks! We must be loud, we must be proud and please lets not be too graphic about what we say! As much as I wanna rage about it we must have some class.”

My take?

1. Kind of mixed message to organize a “hate night” but then tell folks to be classy in their hatred. Still, the restraint is welcome.

2. Nice to see the Oilers hated again for having talented players.

3. The Anaheim Ducks drafted Justin Schultz. He didn’t draft them. He was under no obligation to sign with them. What is the problem here?

4. Under league rules, Schultz was entitled to become a free agent if the Ducks didn’t sign him. He exercised this option, selecting Edmonton because, he said, he wanted to play in Canada and he liked the idea of developing his own game with such a young and talented team. It makes sense that a young player would exercise all his options on such an important life decision, no?

5. Hell that no fury like a hockey fan scorned, as we in Edmonton know well from our own massive negative reaction when Chris Pronger forced his way out of this town.

6. What is up with the Ducks? First Burke goes bonkers when Dustin Penner and the Oilers do what they’re perfectly entitled to do, with Penner signing here. Now this.

My Duckies, best get used to players deciding that your team isn’t the best place for them. We in Edmonton have learned the hard way that this is a fact of life in the NHL.

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